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Motorcycle/Motor Scooter License

Motorcycle/Motor Scooter

Any person operating a motorcycle or motor scooter on public roadways in Ohio must hold a valid motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsement. A rider may apply for a motorcycle or motor scooter-only license or a motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement for his or her driver license.

A motorcycle or motor scooter license is issued if the rider does not have a valid driver license.

A motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement is displayed on an individual’s driver license.

A rider is considered a motorcycle or motor scooter novice for one year. The license will indicate the date the novice status expires.

Two or Three Wheels

If a rider has a two-wheeled motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement or license, he or she may operate a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle or motor scooter.

If a rider has a three-wheeled motorcycle or motor scooter endorsement or license, he or she may only operate a three-wheeled motorcycle or motor scooter.

Please Note: If the knowledge test is failed, the applicant must wait one day to retest.

Once the knowledge test and vision screening are passed, the applicant can proceed to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a motorcycle or motor scooter TIPIC within 60 days of passing the test. Applicants must provide proof of:

Please Note: A parent or legal guardian must sign permission for the TIPIC for applicants under age 18.

The TIPIC is valid for one year from the date of purchase. If it expires, the rider must start over. The rider must carry the TIPIC at all times when operating a motorcycle or motor scooter.

TIPIC Restrictions

May ride during daylight hours only

No passengers

No riding on interstates or congested roads

Must wear a helmet and protective eyewear

Motorcycle or Motor Scooter License or Endorsement

Over Age 18

When the rider is ready, a skills test can be scheduled. The test will take place on an off-street course.

The rider must present a valid TIPIC and wear a helmet and protective eyewear at time of testing.

The motorcycle or motor scooter must be street-legal and in safe working condition.

If any part of the skills test is failed, rider must wait one week to retest.

Upon passing the skills test, the rider may go to a deputy registrar to purchase a motorcycle or motor scooter license before expiration of the TIPIC.

Please Note: The motorcycle or motor scooter skills test is waived for applicants who have completed a Motorcycle Ohio course within 60 days of applying for a motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsement.

Under Age 18

Prior to testing for a motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsement, riders under age 18 must:

Complete driver education (to include 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and eight hours of driving time) at an approved driving school

Complete 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 hours of night driving, in addition to the driver education requirements

Complete a motorcycle safety education course

Please Note: The motorcycle or motor scooter skills test is waived for applicants who have completed a Motorcycle Ohio course within 60 days of applying for a motorcycle license or endorsement.

Upon passing the skills test or a Motorcycle Ohio course, applicants may proceed to a deputy registrar agency to purchase the motorcycle or motor scooter license or endorsement within 60 days or before expiration of the TIPIC, whichever occurs first.